Sask. politicians lace up their budget shoes

'Dad's shoes', clear rubber boots on display on eve of budget

Saskatchewan Finance Minister participated in the annual 'budget shoes' media availability Tuesday, the day before he releases the provincial budget. (Stefani Langenegger/CBC)

Saskatchewan politicians were focusing on footwear Tuesday and that can only mean one thing — budget day is tomorrow.

Both Finance Minister Ken Krawetz and Opposition finance critic Trent Wotherspoon had shoes on display along with a sock full of metaphors.

The tradition is for finance ministers to get new shoes on the eve of a budget, but the Saskatchewan Party's Krawetz, who is releasing his government's 2014-15 spending plan Wednesday, was showing off a well-worn pair.

Transparent boots suggest the government needs to be transparent, the NDP says. (Stefani Langenegger/CBC)

Krawetz said he wants to honour his late father and his Ukrainian heritage by lacing up his father's shoes.

"Dad's foot was a little bit smaller and they're a little tight," he told reporters. "They're a little tight like this budget is going to be."

As a tribute to his late father, Ken Krawetz will wear his shoes. He says they're a little tight, just like tomorrow's budget. (Stefani Langenegger/CBC)

Elsewhere in the Legislative Building, the New Democrats were showing off a pair of clear rubber boots.

Wotherspoon said the public needs transparency.

"This is their money, so they deserve the straight goods," he said.

CBC will have live coverage of Wednesday's province budget on radio starting at 2:20 p.m., on television at 5, 5:30 and 6 and on the web as soon as the embargo is lifted.

NDP finance critic Trent Wotherspoon says the government needs to be transparent with its finances. (Stefani Langenegger/CBC)